VE NEWS: Did Holden mislead over tyres?

In the media scrum after the Commodore's unveiling, there was confusion as to whether the new Commodore would have a full-sized spare as standard. Drive spoke to GM Holden chairman and managing director, Denny Mooney. Was he trying to mislead journalists or was he confused?

Herald: You mentioned in your speech that the new Commodore SS-V comes standard with 19-inch wheels, is that going to be at the expense of a full-sized spare?

Mooney: Oh boy, I don't know if there is a 20-inch full-sized spare, I can't answer that one, I just can't answer that one. We covered ... most of our tyre/wheel line-ups.

Herald: So there will be a full-sized spare for the 19-inch though?

Mooney: Oh yeah.

Herald: And across the range?

Mooney: We have a composite tyre tub so we could get a full-sized spare. Quite honestly you ... couldn't make a stamping that deep ... so we ended up with a composite tub so we could put a full-sized spare in. And, there is actually some weight savings in doing that as well.

Herald: So you consider it is important in Australia?

Mooney: Oh yeah, absolutely... I mean you kinda know where I come from ... and space-saver tyres are normal. I have the guys beat me about the head all the time here, that (a space-saver wheel) wouldn't be accepted here.

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